Amenities Draft Minutes - 19th January 2026
Crowland Parish Council
Minutes of Amenities Council Meeting
HELD ON MONDAY 19th JANUARY 2026 at 7.00pm
IN THE PARISH ROOMS, HALL STREET, CROWLAND
Attendees: Cllr G Searle (Chair) - Cllr A Williams, Cllr P Davis, Cllr D Kempton, Cllr J Boor, Cllr B Alcock, Cllr P Stowe
Also in attendance: Becky Brothwell - Clerk/RFO
Meeting Started at 19:03
The meeting was opened by Chair, Councillor G Searle, who welcomed all attendees.
1. Apologies for Absence
No apologies were received from Cllrs Darren Warner & Jack Turner.
2. Declarations of Interest
Cllr G Searle declared an interest in Agenda Item 12.
3. To approve the Minutes from the previous meeting and to note any outstanding actions.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved: The minutes of the meeting held on 17th November 2025 were a true record and accurate record of the proceedings and were approved.
4. Adventure Park
It was agreed that: issues with the pyramid climbing frame and zip wire were considered. Members noted that the second zip wire cable was catching and was not centrally aligned. It was agreed that the cable would be monitored and removed for inspection every two years, and that the Clerk would continue liaison with the contractor to arrange an inspection. Clerk to contact Caloo to quote for adjust to the pyramid net and Online Playground elements associated with the zip line.
5. Skate Park
That the Clerk’s update be noted, and that two companies are arranging site visits to provide quotations for the required concrete repair works.
6. Pavilion
It was agreed that the Clerk and Cllr G Searle would meet with the Pavilion staff member to review the required work on the Pavilion. Members noted the suggestion of a broader Pavilion revamp, including potential architectural designs, funding opportunities (Football Federation and S106), and the installation of solar panels. Cllr David Kempton would investigate the project further, and the Clerk would identify the company responsible for the gym building works liaise with the Deputy Clerk and forward the information to Cllr Kempton.
7. Pavilion Car Park
A quotation from Vere Bros for £1,500 plus VAT for drain inspections was considered. It was agreed that the quotation would not be accepted at this stage and that previous drain reports and correspondence would be reviewed. Grounds staff would be asked to remove silt and unblock the drains, and Tina would be asked to provide copies of earlier drain reports for circulation. Concerns were raised regarding HGV access to the car park, and the installation of a height barrier and “Private Car Park – No HGVs” signage would be explored.
8. Crowland Town Football Club
The Council noted that the Memorandum of Understanding remained unsigned by CTFC despite earlier correspondence. It was agreed that contact be made by the Clerk expressing disappointment at the lack of response and concerns about the compound would also be raised. Pitch application meeting would be rearranged with Cllrs G Searle, J Boor, D Kempton, and the Clerk.
9. Crowland Junior Football Club
A quotation from Jason Church for replacement floodlights was received, and due to financial sensitivity, it was voted to move this item into closed session. Other matters noted included previously outstanding invoices (now paid), incomplete booking forms, and the failure to hire a skip for waste removal. It was agreed that the terms and conditions would be reviewed and enforced, pitch inspections with Councillors would recommence, and wear around the goalmouth and training areas would be monitored. It was also noted that the gullies had been cleared and water flow from the Snowden had been restored.
10. Tennis Courts
A site walk‑round with Cllr G Searle and the Clerk was agreed to review the project. It was confirmed that tarmac surfaces had been requested. The Clerk would contact the Lawn Tennis Association to arrange a visit and would also check with the Deputy Clerk to confirm whether the tennis court signage had been ordered.
11. Community Hall Project
The Council discussed the potential impact of increased non‑domestic rates from April 2026 and noted that future projects may need to be operated through a charitable trust to mitigate additional costs.
12. Review Rent / Hire Charges
The Council considered a 5% increase to hire charges in line with the rise in the national minimum wage. Additional proposed changes included updated deposit wording requiring deposits to be banked before bookings are confirmed, revised fairground and circus charges with an increased £500 surety bond and a £1 per annum peppercorn rent for the CTFC storage compound land. It was agreed that the Clerk would review whether toilet facilities are covered within the existing Bowls Club Memorandum of Understanding and that a 5% rent increase would be applied to Crowland Cares (with Cllr G Searle abstaining). It was resolved to recommend the increases to Full Council.
13. Matters to be considered for inclusion on a future agenda - None received.